KATHMANDU: A complaint has been lodged at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) against Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, alleging irregularities in the procurement of a lift recently installed at the municipal office.
The complaint was filed on Thursday by Yubaraj Safal, who claims that the lift, worth nearly Rs 10 million, was installed without following due procurement procedures, including competitive bidding, tender calls, or quotation processes.
Safal stated in his complaint, “My concern is not with the installation of a new lift at the Kathmandu Metropolitan City office, but with the non-transparent and irregular method used—disregarding the Public Procurement Act, 2063 and the Public Procurement Regulations, 2064, particularly sections related to competitive bidding and tender procedures.”
He further demanded that the CIAA investigate the procurement process by examining tender documents, the contractor’s details, approval records, payment files, and other related vouchers and receipts.
According to Safal, such an investigation is essential to uncover any potential corruption or procedural violations within the municipality.
The complaint intensifies scrutiny over public procurement practices under Mayor Shah’s leadership, as debates over transparency and governance within the capital’s administration continue.
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